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President Biden on Tuesday signed a document supporting Sweden and Finland’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
At a press conference, Biden said when he announced the US ratification of NATO expansion to include Finland and Sweden, he said, “Putin thought he could divide us… weakening our resolve.” I thought I could do it,” he said. “Instead, he’s getting exactly what he didn’t want. He wanted Findalization [Finland-ization] But he has NATOized Finland. “
Before signing the document, Biden touted the expansion as a “watershed moment” that would strengthen security “not only in Europe and the United States, but globally.”
Biden noted the values Finland and Sweden share with their 30 allies and urged other NATO allies to ratify the expansion quickly.
“Sweden and Finland have strong democratic institutions, strong armed forces, strong and transparent economies, and meet all the requirements of NATO,” the president said.
The accession of Finland and Sweden will be the first major expansion of the alliance since the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. Their acceptance into the bloc shows a blame on Russia in the ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
The Senate last week voted in favor of the expansion 95-1, approving the move in a rare form of bipartisan support. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) was the only senator to vote against the bill, arguing it would take the focus away from China, which he sees as America’s main geopolitical enemy. did.
NATO Makes Big and Bold Moves with Appropriate Calls to Sweden and Finland
According to the Associated Press, Hawley said, “Europe can do more… put more resources, more firepower, or do what it takes to deter Asia and China. Do both. I can’t,’ he said.
But Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell welcomed the news, arguing the move would boost national security.
“Their membership will make NATO stronger and America safer. If senators are looking for a legitimate excuse to vote against it, I wish them luck,” McConnell said. said.
Biden immediately announced his support for the bill after the Senate vote.
“I look forward to signing the Accession Protocol and welcoming strong democracies Sweden and Finland into the largest defense alliance in history,” Biden said last week after the Senate voted overwhelmingly to approve membership. Stated.
Finland and Sweden’s applications for NATO membership came as a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, and the alliance’s membership was strongly opposed by the Kremlin.
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NATO’s 30 current members signed bilateral accession protocols last month, paving the way for member states to formally ratify accession.
All 30 current NATO members must ratify the decision to allow Finland and Sweden to join before they are protected by Article 5 of the NATO Charter.
Canada, Germany and Italy have already ratified their accession.